SPRINGER, N.M. —A former priest arrested last year on charges of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy more than a decade ago, took his own life shortly before a plea hearing scheduled for Friday morning, May 24th according to his attorney.
Daniel Balizan, 62, of Springer and a former pastor of St. Patricks/St. Josephs Church in Raton and Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church in Santa Fe, was indicted in June of last year by a federal grand jury for a reported case of child sexual abuse in 2012, according to the indictment.
Balizan killed himself at his home in Springer the night before he was scheduled to plead to a federal charge of coercion and enticement of a minor, said Dan Cron, Balizan’s attorney. However, court documents show Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal addressed the U.S District Court in Albuquerque for the plea hearing and confirmed Balizan died.
Balizan had faced a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison under a plea agreement negotiated with federal prosecutors. He was fighting a motion filed earlier this month by the U.S. Attorney’s Office seeking to incarcerate him while he awaited sentencing. A federal magistrate judge in July of 2023 ordered Balizan released on home arrest in Springer in the custody of family while he awaited trial.
In confirming Balizan’s death Friday, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe issued the following statement: “The Archdiocese of Santa Fe is saddened by the news of former priest Daniel Balizan having taken his life. We pray for comfort for his family and those who cared for him. May God have mercy on his soul.
As the news has indicated, Daniel was awaiting a hearing in a child sexual abuse case. His tragic decision to end his life underscores the far-reaching and devastating consequences of the crime of child abuse—affecting victims, their loved ones, and even perpetrators themselves.
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe reiterates its steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding the sexual abuse of children and adults. We are dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for all children and work tirelessly to prevent such incidents from occurring.”.
Balizan was arrested last June 29 on the federal charge. Federal Magistrate Judge Laura Fashing rejected a request from prosecutors who had asked that Balizan be held in custody while awaiting trial.
On May 17, federal prosecutors filed a motion seeking Balizan’s detention while he awaited sentencing.
In his response, Cron wrote that Balazan had complied with all the conditions of his release during his 11 months living in Springer.
The case marked the second time since 2017 that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Mexico has indicted a priest or former priest on charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor.
